1. Definition  There are five methods one can use to create a definition essay. Basic dictionary Basic dictionary Synonyms Synonyms Direct explanation Direct explanation Indirect explanation Indirect explanation Analytical definition Analytical definition

2. Basic Definition  This is when you quote the literal dictionary definition. You are obliged to indicate your source if you do this. You are obliged to indicate your source if you do this. Never state “according to Webster’s dictionary” since dozens of dictionaries use the “Websters” name. Never state “according to Webster’s dictionary” since dozens of dictionaries use the “Websters” name. Cite the entire title. Ex: American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. Cite the entire title. Ex: American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.

3. Synonym  Although no two words have exactly the same meaning, synonyms often follow as if in parenthesis. He was guilty of the ancient sin of hubris, excessive pride. He was guilty of the ancient sin of hubris, excessive pride.

4. Direct Explanation  You simply state the definition of the word or concept. This spontaneous and loyal support of our preconception—the process of finding “good” reasons to justify our routine beliefs—is known to modern psychologists as rationalizing—clearly a new name for a very ancient thing. This spontaneous and loyal support of our preconception—the process of finding “good” reasons to justify our routine beliefs—is known to modern psychologists as rationalizing—clearly a new name for a very ancient thing.

5. Indirect Explanation  You imply the definition of a word or concept. Trance is a similar abnormality in our society. Even a mild mystic is aberrant in Western Civilization. Trance is a similar abnormality in our society. Even a mild mystic is aberrant in Western Civilization.

6. Analytical Definition  In using this method, you define by placing the term (the subject) in a class (genus) and then identify it with characteristics that show how it differs from other members of the same class. Subject: Democracy Subject: Democracy Class: a form of government Class: a form of government Characteristics: in which voters elect representatives to manage a society Characteristics: in which voters elect representatives to manage a society

7. Common Problems  Do not use the expression “is where” or “is when” in beginning the main part of a definition. The verb “is” should be followed by a noun, a pronoun, or an adjective. WEAK: A stadium is where they hold sports spectaculars. WEAK: A stadium is where they hold sports spectaculars. BETTER: A stadium is a structure in which sports spectaculars are held. BETTER: A stadium is a structure in which sports spectaculars are held.

8. Common Problems  Do not use the “circular definition,” a practice of defining a term with the term itself. CIRCULAR: An aristocracy is a form of government based on rule by the aristocrats. CIRCULAR: An aristocracy is a form of government based on rule by the aristocrats. DIRECT: An aristocracy is a form of government in which the power resides in the hands of the best individuals or a small privileged class. DIRECT: An aristocracy is a form of government in which the power resides in the hands of the best individuals or a small privileged class.

9. Common Problems  Do not define the subject in more complicated language than the original. Surreptitious means clandestine. Surreptitious means clandestine. Surreptitious means secret. Surreptitious means secret.

10. Common Problems  Do not substitute the example for the definition. The example may be excellent for clarification, but it does not completely define. WEAK: Political conservatives are people like John McCain and Sarah Palin. WEAK: Political conservatives are people like John McCain and Sarah Palin. BETTER: Political conservatives are people who are dedicated to preserving existing conditions; examples of political conservatives are John McCain and Sarah Palin. BETTER: Political conservatives are people who are dedicated to preserving existing conditions; examples of political conservatives are John McCain and Sarah Palin.